The Abuja–Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) officially resumed operations on Wednesday, October 1, following weeks of intensive inspections, safety checks, and staff training carried out by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC). 
 
The first train departed from Idu Station in Abuja, stopped at Kubwa to pick up passengers, and successfully arrived at Rigasa Station in Kaduna. A return trip was also scheduled the same day, signalling full restoration of passenger train operations on the corridor. 

This was confirmed by a statement from the Chief Public Relations Officer, NRC, Callistus Unyimadu, for the management. 
 
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, joined passengers and staff on board the trip. 
 
His presence was to personally witness the resumption ride and rebuild public confidence in the service. 

Speaking with journalists after arrival at Rigasa, Opeifa expressed satisfaction and thanked God Almighty for His grace during the corporation’s recovery period. 

He highlighted the central role of a modern railway system in fostering national unity and development, noting that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had invested massively in rail infrastructure across the federation. 
 
The NRC boss reiterated his commitment to turning around the fortunes of the corporation by prioritising the completion of ongoing projects, optimisation of existing national rail assets, rehabilitating all serviceable rolling stocks, expanding services, improving customer experience and modernisation of operations and its efficiency, particularly along the AKTS corridor. 
 
He disclosed that a dedicated Customer Service Department had been established to promptly address passenger concerns and improve service delivery. 

 On safety, Opeifa reassured passengers and staff of the corporation’s unwavering commitment to security and welfare. 
 
In addition to the visible presence of police and military personnel along the corridor and in stations, he noted that discreet but effective security measures had been put in place to safeguard all stakeholders. 
 
The MD reaffirmed his determination to position the NRC as a world-class, passenger-friendly service provider capable of driving socio-economic growth through modern, safe, and efficient rail transport systems nationwide.
 
The NRC had earlier announced that passengers injured in the Abuja-Kaduna train accident of August 26 would enjoy one free ride per week until December 31, 2025.

“In line with our priority on passenger welfare after the August 26, 2025, incident, NRC wishes to state that out of the 583 passengers on board, 530 passengers were contacted by phone, out of which 512 have successfully received refunds,” Unyimadu said.
 
“All 22 injured passengers have been contacted, many visited by our medical team, and will enjoy one free ride per week until December 31, 2025.

“All 618 people on board during the August 26, 2025, accident will be entitled to one free ride before December 31, 2025,” he added.